Biological Research Volunteer Programs Abroad

Overall, turtle conservation was a great experience. I got to see many, many turtles throughout the Aribada. Though, much of the day was boring due to a lack of work and activities to do during the day.

This experience changed me in ways I never expected. From the moment I arrived, I knew it would be life-changing, but looking back, I can say it was the best experience of my life, and I'm only 22. The local team was truly incredible. They supported me 24/7, and whenever I struggled or faced a difficulty, they were 100% there to help. I couldn't have asked for better people to work with, and I'm so glad to have met them and built real friendships along the way. The same goes for the other volunteers. Living and sharing spaces with them made the experience special and unforgettable, and I came away with countless memories and a lot of laughs. The accommodation was very different from what I'm used to in Western culture, and sharing space means giving up some privacy, but that was part of the charm and I wouldn't change it. The children and the locals touched my heart so deeply that, after my volunteering hours ended, I decided to sponsor some of the children I spent time with from a distance. This experience opened my eyes to how much exists beyond my own borders, both the beautiful and the difficult. The people I met taught me how to smile, how to truly live, and above all, how to be grateful for what I have. Thanks to them, I now know what I want to devote my life to: helping others and making people feel seen and valued. Before leaving, I was nervous about being in a foreign country, far from home, surrounded by people I didn't know, and I worried about whether I would be able to adjust. But that fear faded far more quickly than I imagined. The people I once considered strangers became an essential part of my journey and, most importantly, became my friends.

My time with oceans was an incredible experience that I’ll never forget. The wildlife we witnessed and the fieldwork were inspiring and grew a deep passion for the South African marine ecosystem in all of us. The friendships I made will last a lifetime and I will definitely be drawn back to the South African waters.

From the beginning the whole process was seamless and very supportive. Airport pickup, transportation, accommodation, staff, food were first class. They couldn’t have been more helpful. I participated in a teaching program in Kandy, also turtle conservation. Both programs far exceeded my expectations and I left feeling that I had made a difference. Wonderful connections and friendships made with fellow volunteers from all over the world. Life changing in many ways.

I spent six weeks in Ecuador this summer through Beyond Travels, including four weeks living with the Yumbo family near Tena in the Amazon. I still talk about this experience all the time. It continues to shape how I think about food, medicine, land, and community, but what stays with me most is the relationships I developed. Clemente and Elena welcomed me with open arms into their family. I developed relationships with their children and grandchildren, and over time, I felt increasingly part of the family’s everyday life. Being included and cared for in that way meant so much to me. When I think back on Ecuador, I think about the people I miss just as much as everything I learned. My time at Pakarina was also an important part of those six weeks and something I would love to share more about. I arrived with an interest in medicinal plants, agriculture, and community health, and living with the family gave those interests a much deeper meaning. Walking through the chacra with Clemente, I would ask about the fruits, roots, and plants around us, and he would explain what they were, how they were used, and where they grew. Harvesting hearts of palm together made me appreciate the knowledge and work behind a food I had previously encountered without understanding its origins. Some of the conversations that stayed with me most were about Kichwa and the knowledge held within the language. Hearing concerns about younger generations speaking less Kichwa made me think about how plant knowledge is passed down through words, stories, and shared practices. These are questions I’ve continued exploring since returning home. The experience also required patience, flexibility, and a willingness to be uncomfortable sometimes. I had to slow down, listen, and recognize how much I still had to learn. Four weeks offers only a small glimpse into a family’s life, but the relationships we built during that time were meaningful to me. I’m deeply grateful to Clemente, Elena, and their family for welcoming me so fully and sharing their time and knowledge. I returned home with people I hope to stay connected with and experiences that continue to influence my studies and my interest in medicinal plants and healing spaces. For someone willing to participate in everyday life, ask thoughtful questions, and remain open to unfamiliar ways of learning, this experience has so much to offer.

Participating in the volunteer program for the sea turtle conservation program in Costa Rica with MÁXIMO NIVEL was an absolutely amazing experience. To be completely honest, you definitely need an adaptable mindset. You will be immersing yourself in authentic local contexts, adjusting to a different lifestyle, and stepping out of your comfort zone every single day.However, getting hands-on with marine conservation and taking part in night beach patrols, protecting nesting sites in the hatchery, collecting vital scientific data, and releasing hatchlings into the ocean makes every challenge completely worth it. That being said, Máximo Nivel's organization was fantastic from day one. The local team is incredibly professional, supportive, and always available to assist with anything you need—from orientation to daily project management. You feel safe, well-guided, and genuinely valued throughout the entire journey.

The pre-departure support given was very adequate and I felt very reassured despite me traveling by myself for the first time. Sign up was easy and I definitely recommend volunteering with IVHQ. Staff were very helpful too.

It has been a few weeks since I came home from my incredible experience at the Golola Rhino Orphanage and Rehabilitation Centre. I think about my experience every day, and feel my heart warm at all the memories and experiences I have gained. One of the biggest dreams of my life has been to volunteer with animals; it’s something I’ve longed for as long as I can remember. I finally decided to go, and I was a bit scared at first. What if it isn’t what I have dreamed of? Have I built too many expectations over the years that they will be impossible to reach? Little did I know, it would be everything I had dreamed of and more. I researched a few organisations before I found African Conservation Experience (ACE) and immediately felt like this was the real deal. For me, the most important part was to find an organisation that values the welfare and care of the animals. After speaking with ACE, I felt safe and secure in their intentions. ACE recommended and told me about Golola, and I was sold. I had never thought of volunteering specifically with rhinos, but I am so, so glad that I did. The team at Golola was incredible. I truly admire the time, love, and care they give to these wonderful animals. I will never forget my first morning there, walking around some sheds and boom, there are rhinos in the sunrise grazing for food. It felt like magic. Like this was something out of a fantasy, something that wasn’t real. The quiet, the sunrise, the rhinos. How is it that I am actually here and experiencing this? Every morning thereafter I just took a minute or so, looked at the rhinos in the sunrise and felt incredibly lucky. It really was magic. Golola takes care of other animals in need as well. When I was at the centre, they had some tortoises, an owl and a sable calf. During my stay, there was a rhino calf that I got to bottle-feed and see grow, which was truly amazing. Feeding the camp animals and the rhinos on the reserve was an incredible experience. Driving out in the reserve was idyllic. Seeing rhinos, both adults and calves, including a one-week-old newborn, living their lives, free across the plains surrounded by wildebeest, giraffes, zebras and (a lot of) warthogs is an image that I never want to forget. As a volunteer, we got to learn about rhinos, in the sense of how they are as animals, their behaviours and personalities. However, we also learned about the gruelling reality of these animals disappearing one by one, just because of a horn that is made of the same material as a human's hair or nails. These educational talks and videos were shattering and difficult to digest, but necessary to understand the importance of the work there. It breaks your heart to learn what some rhinos, including many of the rhinos at Golola, have had to witness. The sadness is overwhelming and heavy, but so is the anger and frustration. It lights a fire in you to try and protect these animals. But in the heaviness there is also hope. There is a fire in every single person at Golola, and they do everything they can to make sure the rhinos are safe and living their best life. That gives me hope. Going on this journey was one of the best things I have ever done. My dream was fulfilled and my life altered. I hope and wish to come back and experience the magic once again.

I did an animal care project in Portugal with IVHQ and I'm glad to say it was smooth from start to finish. The application was simple and the team always answered any questions I had about the placement itself or any issues I had with documents etc. Before I left there was a group call with my coordinator and other volunteers I'd be working with which made leaving home alone for the first time less daunting. At the placement I would feed the dogs, clean cages and have loads of cuddles and play time with them! The local team were very friendly and easy to approach as well. I had a great time and really felt like I actually made an impact. I would recommend IVHQ to anyone who would like to volunteer abroad

My experience with the Marine Conservation Volunteer Project in Kilifi was both educational and rewarding. As someone passionate about the marine environment, I appreciated the opportunity to take part in practical conservation activities and learn more about the challenges facing coastal ecosystems. The local team was welcoming, supportive, and knowledgeable, and I enjoyed learning from their experience. I also loved interacting with the local community and experiencing the beautiful Kenyan coast. The program gave me a deeper appreciation for marine conservation and showed me how volunteering can contribute to protecting the environment while creating meaningful cultural connections. It was an experience I will always remember.

Participating in ASA's volunteer program was an experience I will cherish for the rest of my life. The jungle at Finca Las Piedras is stunning, and I saw so much wildlife. The trail system is well-maintained and beautiful to explore. The staff is extremely knowledgeable and supportive. While the accommodations are basic, they are clean and safe. I loved waking up every morning to the sounds of the jungle. Supporting the protection of this important ecosystem while learning about the region’s unique wildlife was a life-changing experience. I would highly recommend this volunteer program to anyone considering it.

I did medical volunteering program in Jaipur. The experience was great. The house had a great location, the family was very kind, food was great. In the hospital I had the oportunity to listen to the different cases as well as try some practical things. The only obstacle was language, but doctor tried to explain everything to me. On the weekend I also had the oportunity to go sightseeing, we visited Amber Fort and other famous places in Jaipur. All in all the stay was pleasant and I had a really great time.

My time volunteer teaching in Zambia was unbelievably fantastic. I met such lovely fellow volunteers, staff at my volunteer house, teachers and of course kids at my school. The program was really well organised from pre departure to arrival home with plenty of time for sight seeing. I felt so safe in Zambia and received a warm welcome. I felt relaxed at all times and really did not want to come back. I plan to do it all again next year and hopefully catch up with the children a year on in their studies. I'm missing everyone in Zambia!

I Took my first trip alone with IVHQ as a 17 year old last month. It was an amazing first trip where I was supported the whole way and made many friends from all over the world. I loved the volunteering and I learnt so much about the culture. I am already planning my next trip!

Volunteering in Zanzibar was an amazing and unforgettable experience. I had the opportunity to meet wonderful people from different countries, discover the local culture, and take part in meaningful activities that made every day special. The staff and coordinators were always welcoming, supportive, and friendly, which made me feel comfortable from the beginning. I also created strong friendships with the other volunteers and shared many great moments with them. This experience taught me a lot, both personally and culturally, and helped me grow as a person. I would definitely recommend it to anyone looking for a unique, rewarding, and meaningful experience abroad.

The phone call with ACE to determine what my experience would involve was incredibly insightful. The consultant I spoke with did a wonderful job understanding my personality and what I was looking for. They recommended various projects, and we collectively decided that the Golola Rhino Orphanage and Rehabilitation Centre would be the project which was best suited to my needs and interests. They thoroughly explained every aspect of the project and underlined the things I would contribute to at the orphanage. In addition, they made all logistical and financial arrangements for the project clear, which undoubtedly made it much easier on my side! The in-country support with ACE was also incredible. After landing in Johannesburg following a 12-hour flight, I had an almost dead phone and was stuck in a two-and-a-half-hour queue at passport control. I was stressed that my transfer was going to leave without me. I had emailed my ACE consultant to inform them of my situation, and they responded almost instantly after communicating with the transfer team. Additionally, the ACE team member who was waiting to meet me at the airport was fantastic at checking in throughout my experience. They were very helpful and even assisted me in updating the transfer of my flight change! Without these ACE team members, I don’t know if I would’ve made it there and back. No two days were the same at Golola! Although we worked on a daily routine covering tasks that had to be done, such as feeding the camp animals (rhinos, horses, goats, and pigs), feeding the baby rhino, and cleaning out the enclosures, we also did plenty of other activities in between. During my one-week stay at Golola, we visited a nearby waterfall and creek for lunch, went on a night drive to see various wildlife species we wouldn’t usually see in the daytime, and even went out for lunch in the bush once or twice! There were loads of activities the staff had offered us. Other than working, volunteers and staff would often hang out in the evenings at dinner time, play games and just chat about our lives outside of the orphanage, and it was really nice to get to know the project staff more personally! Our regular morning rounds consisted of putting out hay and pellets for the rhinos in the larger camp. They were often accompanied by the hundreds of warthogs, which would try, sometimes successfully, to steal their food. We would then pack the pickup truck with pellets and hay to feed the rhinos on the reserve. This was particularly exciting as they would often try to closely follow the truck! A good chunk of time each day was spent feeding the youngest rhino, as they needed feeding four times a day. As there were four volunteers on the project during my stay, we each had a turn feeding the baby every day. I would make the milk following the correct measurements of formula and other ingredients, and then bottle-feed the baby myself! She was a very, very greedy baby. Every day, we cleaned the animal enclosures of the goats, pigs, owls and the baby rhino. This consisted of sweeping up hay from the day before and scrubbing the floors with clean water to get rid of any lingering dirt, as well as scrubbing the owl’s perches with disinfectant water. Despite the whole experience at the orphanage being completely life-changing and memorable, the memory I’ll think about the most is probably seeing a baby rhino for the first time. The baby in the surrounding reserve was around a week old when I arrived at Golola, and there were only two or three sightings by a few members of staff at this point. One day, we were doing the afternoon feed out in the bush, and we had spotted a lone rhino who we figured was the mother of this baby. We were very excited and hoped to see her baby, and then he popped out from the bush running beside her! It was such a surreal experience being able to see a mother and her child roam freely in the reserve. After watching countless documentaries about poaching and the devastating effects of the rhino horn trade, it was incredible and quite emotional to see the continuity and persistence of such an amazing species. What was also really special about this moment was the sheer excitement and awe from the two staff members who came on the drive. From this point on, the mother and her baby boy made an appearance every day, excited and running over to us on the back of the truck! I don’t think I can even put into words how much this experience has impacted me. I often felt desensitised yet frustrated at the sight of continuous poaching awareness documentaries and adverts on the TV, confused as to what I was meant to do about the crisis. I had done thorough research about the poaching catastrophe in South Africa but often felt lost, wondering what I could personally do to provide the slightest bit of help to such a beautiful species. I then found ACE after researching different volunteering programs focusing on rhinos. As soon as I got to the orphanage and met the staff and listened to their stories and reasons for working here, I was instantly inspired by their courage and selflessness towards the protection of the rhinos. To be up close with the rhinos, separated by only a few inches, I was hit with the harsh realisation of the severity of the poaching crisis. To see these animals up close in their natural habitat, not through a murky zoo window, and to look into their eyes, I wondered how some humans could be so heartless and cruel. To think that rhinos have lived for over 50 million years but are nearly extinct solely due to the greed of humans has really affected me. As well as this, the staff shared each rhino’s story so passionately and intricately, which further embedded the sadness and horror of the rhino horn trade. I learned about how one of the rhinos at the orphanage was injured by the bullet that killed her mum, and how she has permanent blindness due to a tight blindfold. To understand the psychological and emotional effect it has on the rhinos, the PTSD, depression and heartbreak they feel at such loss was truly devastating. The staff really had a way with their words when explaining these stories; I would have never known how deeply these animals feel if it weren’t for them. The act of knowing, alone, has changed me forever. To develop a brief bond with each and every rhino and to see their individual personalities and playful characteristics on a daily basis also deeply impacted me. But most of all, the motherly instinct of the rhinos with their babies really stuck with me. Despite only being at the orphanage for a week, the experience, the lessons I have learnt, and the little bit of help I put into fighting the war against rhino poaching will last a lifetime. My experience at the orphanage exposed me not only to the beautiful parts of seeing the rhinos in the wild, but also to the ongoing devastation they face that is ever so prominent today. To understand that I have helped feed mothers and their babies in the wild, as well as feeding the camp rhinos and the baby orphan, is a feeling that I will cherish forever. I would tell anyone remotely interested in volunteering to jump at the chance to do this project because they won’t regret it. I’d explain how life-changing the overall experience was and how surreal it was to work with such a beautiful species every day. I’m already planning to come back here next year!

My time in Brazil was honestly one of the best experiences I’ve ever had. Living and working alongside the other volunteers made it so much more than just a trip. We spent so much time together, from working in the rainforest during the day to hanging out and getting to know each other in the evenings. I met some genuinely great people who I’ll remember for a long time. A big part of what made the experience so special was Imran. He is a genuinely great guy who made everyone feel welcome and looked after us throughout our time there. His passion for the work and the people around him really stood out, and he helped make the whole experience feel like a community rather than just a volunteer program. I loved being out in the Amazon, learning about the environment and getting involved in biodiversity research, species identification and restoration work. I came away with a much greater appreciation for the rainforest, but also some great memories and friendships that I’ll take with me. I would honestly recommend the experience to anyone who wants to do something completely different and genuinely memorable.

I had a wonderful experience with the Marine Conservation Volunteer Project in Kilifi, Kenya. The entire program was very well organized, and everything was clearly planned from the beginning. The team was welcoming, professional, and supportive throughout the experience. I particularly enjoyed being involved in marine conservation activities and learning more about the local environment and the importance of protecting our oceans. The project offered a great balance between meaningful conservation work and experiencing the beautiful Kenyan coast and local community. I would highly recommend this program to anyone looking for a well-organized, impactful, and rewarding volunteering experience

My volunteering experience in Sri Lanka with International Volunteer was truly one of the most rewarding and enriching experiences of my life. From the very first moment I expressed interest in the program, the organization supported me step by step until my departure, making the entire process smooth, clear, and stress-free. The team was always available to answer my questions, provide guidance, and ensure that I felt fully prepared for my journey. Their professionalism, dedication, and genuine care gave me confidence and peace of mind throughout the whole preparation phase. The teaching project I participated in was absolutely wonderful. It was an incredible opportunity to work with enthusiastic students, immerse myself in the local culture, and make a meaningful contribution to the community. Every day was filled with learning, personal growth, and unforgettable moments. I am extremely grateful to International Volunteer for creating such a well-organized and impactful experience. I highly recommend this organization to anyone looking for a volunteer program abroad. Their support, commitment, and the quality of the projects they offer make them an outstanding choice for volunteers. Thank you, International Volunteer, for helping me live such an amazing adventure and for making a real difference in the lives of others while also changing my own life for the better.

Volunteering through Maximo Nivel has been one of the most gratifying experiences I’ve ever had. The staff and my host family were incredible and I felt completely supported every step of the way during my 3 weeks. I’m sure I’ll be doing another project in the future.